The tour includes a visit to Bunce Island, once the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast of West Africa. We visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established to rescue orphaned and captured chimps. Sierra Leone’s amazing array of wildlife is encapsulated on Tiwai Island. One of the country’s largest inland islands, Tiwai has an amazing array of bird and animal life. Of course no visit to Sierra Leone would be complete without time to relax on some of the best beaches in Africa.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Freetown. Arrive in Freetown and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore this vibrant city. Overnight: Hotel Kimbima or similar.

Day 2: Freetown. This morning you head to Bunce Island. The island was established as a major slave trading fortress and castle in 1670 and is located approximately 20 miles upriver in the Freetown Harbour on the Sierra Leone River. Bunce Island is a powerful experience for anyone interested in the history of the country and the slave trade. After lunch we will visit the daily Big Market, a covered market where you can find a range of crafts, bric-a-brac and traditional medicines, among other things. Overnight Hotel Kimbima or similar. Includes: (B, L).

Day 3: Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary. Today you will visit the Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary, which is located about 40 minutes from the centre of Freetown. The Sanctuary was set up in 1995, and is committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and abandoned chimpanzees. The chimps enjoy a semi-wild life within the 100 acre reserve. Overnight: Hotel Kimbima or similar. Includes: (B, L).

Day 4: Freetown to the Banana Islands. The Banana Islands lie south west of the Freetown Peninsula. The journey to the islands takes us about 2 hours by a combination of car and boat. Once here, you will be staying in a traditional eco-chalet with mod-cons. There is ample time for you to explore the Island and snorkel in the clear blue seas. Overnight in eco-chalets. Includes: (B, L, D).

Day 5: A free day in Banana Island. A leisurely day to take in the amazing array of fish, flowers and birds the island has to offer. You may get to meet some of the friendly local people who live on the island. Overnight eco-chalet. Includes: (B, L, D).

Day 6: Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Tiwai is a unique rainforest island where visitors can camp in prepared tents surrounded by an evergreen forest and the sounds of hornbills and monkeys calling from the canopy. The flora and fauna to be found on Tiwai is stunning. Over 700 different plant species live on Tiwai and there are over 135 different bird species, including 8 types of hornbill. Overnight camping, Tiwai Island. Includes: (B, L, D).

Notes:
- All non alcoholic drinks and camping facilities are provided (bed sheets/blankets, water, torchlight, etc)
- On occasions it may not be possible to visit Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. On these occasions the trip will be replaced with Outamba-Kilimi National Park, which is equally as impressive.

Day 7: A free day in Tiwai Island. A free day to visit the beaches, take a forest walk or an optional boat tour down the river. In the rainy season, the Moa River offers opportunities for white-water rafting. Overnight camping, Tiwai Island. Includes: (B, L, D).

Day 8: Tiwai Island to River Number Two Beach. We leave Tiwai Island for our final destination; the stunning beaches south of Freetown. Based at River Number Two you will have four nights to relax and enjoy the Sierra Leone beach culture, as well as joining two pre-arranged excursions. Overnight: River Number Two Guesthouse or similar. Includes: (B).

Day 9: Free day to enjoy River Number Two Beach. A full day to enjoy the Sierra Leone beach culture. There are plenty of options for even the most active of people. Fishing, snorkelling and surfing are all possible and can be arranged locally at additional cost. Overnight: River Number Two Guesthouse or similar. Includes: (B).

Day 10: Guma Nature Trail. Today you have the opportunity to trek and explore the interior of the Western Area Peninsula Forest on the Guma Nature Trail. For those not wishing to trek, you can enjoy another full day on the beach, to simply relax and swim. Overnight: River Number Two Guesthouse or similar. Includes: (B). Note: Picnic lunch also included on the nature trail.

Day 11: Tokeh Fishing Village. Today you make an excursion with your local guide to Tokeh, a fishing village located in a beautiful bay surrounded by islands and reefs. To reach Tokeh will involve a short walk, followed by a canoe ride. Here you will have an opportunity to meet the friendly locals and to have lunch (not included). To one end of the beach a small river flows into the ocean forming a beautiful little estuary. Overnight: River Number Two Guesthouse or similar. Includes: (B).